THE “GO BAG”

I’m not trying to be an alarmist, but I’m thinking about worst case scenarios for homeowners. I recently listened to the podcast How to Survive the End of the World and it got me thinking. Are we really prepared for the unexpected? This question brought me back to my childhood in West Bloomfield, where the lessons I learned about being prepared still stick with me today.

Growing up with army-vet parents, I remember playing house with my dolls in the basement. One day, I stumbled upon a key that opened a black wooden cupboard. Inside, I found canned beans, dried milk, instant coffee, metal army plates, a can opener, and flatware. My mother told me it was a stash of emergency supplies. We thankfully never had to use these. There was a list inside the door, making sure we knew exactly what was in there if we had to replace it and what to do with it. Later, cans of Faygo root beer, bags of Lays potato chips and a large can of Utz pretzels were placed next to the cupboard. I admit it,  these were after school snacks for my friends and me, but I was willing to share in case of emergency.

That sense of preparation stuck with me. I remember taking other food from the upstairs pantry – Twinkies and Triscuits – down to the basement, just in case we had to live there for any length of time. Over the years, we survived tornado warnings, overseas wars, and multiple illnesses – measles, mumps, and the flu… but the Twinkies and Triscuits never got stale. And the day I finally opened them? Well, it wasn’t an emergency; I was just hungry.

Living in areas prone to disasters, like California with its yearly wildfires or the Southern states with hurricanes, it’s essential to have a survival plan. A key part of that plan is the “Go Bag,” a pre-packed kit with everything we need to stay safe, fed, and comfortable for a few days.

Here’s a starting point for building our own:

Water:

2-3 stainless steel bottles

Water purification tablets or filters

Collapsible containers to carry additional water

Drink mixes or electrolytes for added hydration

Food:

High-calorie, lightweight snacks like granola bars, nuts, and trail mix

Jerky or energy bars

Ready-to-eat meals (MREs)

Freeze-dried fruit, dehydrated soups, and oatmeal

Shelter:

Emergency blankets

A tarp

A sleeping bag or lightweight bivy sack

Clothing:

Warm layers, extra socks, sturdy shoes

Emergency blanket, gloves, stocking or brimmed hat, jacket, poncho

First Aid & Hygiene:

Basic first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste

Personal medications

Wipes, feminine hygiene products

Compact splint, extra gauze, antiseptic

Tools:

Multi-tool

Rope

Flashlight

Matches, fire starter

Duct tape

Technology cords and a solar-powered phone charger

Laminate all Documents and photos:

ID and passport

Health, home, and car insurance papers

Emergency contacts

Comfort:

A journal and pens

Photos of loved ones

A deck of cards, a small puzzle, or a pocket-sized book

A few sentimental items

While we can buy pre-packaged emergency kits online, it’s important to regularly check and update our personal Go Bag to meet our specific needs, whether for yourself, your family, pets, or any special medical requirements. Our bag should be comfortable to carry on our backs, weather-resistant and durable, with multiple compartments for organization.

In times of stress, having a way to stay occupied is crucial. The goal isn’t just about having the right gear, it’s about having peace of mind, knowing we’re prepared to weather the storm until help arrives. So, what would you put in your “Go Bag”?

Shabbat Shalom.

https://endoftheworldshow.org/episodes/from-parable-to-practice-building-your-go-bag